10 Important Things to Know Before Visiting London
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- čas přidán 7. 10. 2015
- These are some things to know before your first visit to London. My ten tips will make your visit to London easier and help you not stick out as a tourist. London underground tips, how to tip in restaurants, and how to pronounce some of the trickier names, and more.
**Updates and corrections:
- They call it the River Thames (not Thames River)
- For all oyster cards, zone charges have increased. For example, travel via zones 1-2 for the day (plus any bus rides) it costs £6.60 the most for that day
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MORE LONDON TIPS:
How to Get Around London - 8 Transportation Options: • How to Get Around Lond...
Is the London Pass worth it? • Is the London Pass wor...
What to Pack When Visiting London: • What to Pack When Visi...
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CityMapper App: citymapper.com/
Post Office locations: www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-fi...
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Free London 101 Guide for first-time London visitors: goo.gl/Eh3HP3
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The only London tours I recommend: goo.gl/UbrXQS
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why am I watching this I live here
Lol I get that a lot!
Ugh, lucky!
Inga i live in london its the worstt
Well, I guess it depends on your economics
I live close to holland park its freezing Inga
Is there anyone else here who's British and is just watching this for fun ?😂
+간메 lol you're not the only one!
Megan Wilson no. i am going to London in July to visit a girl. can't wait !
Megan Wilson me
Robert Montana I hope you know this girl? 😅😂
And I loved this video, I'm from London but I still watched it all haha
+Molly thanks Molly!
Me too - I love to hear what people from elsewhere think about London! Almost all the tips in this video were spot on and exactly what I would recommend from living in London for nearly 35 years. The only things I am not sure about are:
1. Cash is no longer accepted for transport in London, so you now have to use an Oystercard or contactless credit or debit card. On the subject of Oystercards, I'm not sure if there's any point in getting a Visitor's Oystercard (unless it is easier for departing visitors to get any unused credit sent to them outside London, for example). The Visitor's Oystercard has a higher non-refundable deposit, as far as I'm aware, so you might as well get a normal Oystercard (although I couldn't find any information on the Visitor's Oystercard on the TfL website to confirm this).
2. For changing money, there are websites where you can compare the best rates in London. If you use these websites, you'll know when you've got to the right place listed because there is usually a queue of other people using the same website, all waiting to take advantage of the good rates. :) Also, you can often get a better rate from the small money-changing shops (for example, near Victoria or London Bridge stations) and sometimes from the money-changing booths in the larger department stores, for example, in the West End/along Oxford Street, than the big banks.
3. I haven't seen the London map App mentioned in the video, although it sounds like it would probably be useful for newcomers. Having lived in London for a long time, I don't normally need a map to navigate, but in case I'm searching for a particular address, I still have an ancient and quaint A-Z street atlas I inherited from my parents, with a price tag of 6 old shillings, which states that Stockwell and Brixton stations will be opening in 1971 - still useful since London streets haven't really changed a lot since then! :)
Hi there! In regards to the Visitor Oyster card, some visitors will prefer it because it has discounts for 25 restaurants and sites around London, and some visitors will prefer to have it sent to them so they have it before they even arrive to London. Also, there's no refundable deposit on them.
+Vaskor Basak warrior
y ou andrea d ev nvvz
Why am I watching this I have been living in London my whole life 😂
:)
Alexia Tarabotti I'm born in London but moved when I was 13 to go to New York and I miss London so much😢😢😭
Alexia Tarabotti Cuz you are a bloody idiot!
You are so lucky :)
0:09 1. Cars drive on the left
0:35 2. Learn how to say ...
1:25 3. Order draft beers/cider by the pint
1:48 4. Check the bill for a service charge
2:07 5. Use the CityMapper app to get around
2:40 6. The Currency used is Pounds
3:09 7. Get an Oyster Card
4:11 8. Take a double-decker bus
4:40 9. Change Currency at the Post Office
4:48 10. Be careful taking black taxis
Awesome video!Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for timestamping.
@LoveandLondon Happy to help! Amazing channel, built around London! 👍
Thank you :)
Well, I am in London once or twice a year, and if I am asked by someone what they should know before, I always give the following three tips which a the most important ones according to my point of view:
1st, an Oyster Card is not necessary if you are in London for a few days only. You can use your credit or debit card with NFC chip for all tubes, busses, etc. as well, and you are charged the same as with an Oyster Card. So you avoid the time and effort to purchase an Oyster Card, paying £5 deposit and returning the Oyster Card and claiming back your deposit and remaining credit.
2nd, chose for Heathrow, Gatwick or city airport, if you have a choice. Public transportation to/from other airports is extremely overpriced. Do not take Heathrow or Gatwick Express but regular tube (Heathrow) or regular trains (Gatwick).
3rd, accommodation is a lot cheaper if you stay outside of the city center. In the city center, hotel prices are extremely expensive and/or of bad standards. I often chose for Croydon. It’s close to the city (15-20 mins by train), there is a pedestrian zone with stores, supermarkets and restaurants, and hotels only cost a fraction in relation to the city.
I’ve been living in NY for 20 years,I’m tired of the US and need a big change.i have tons of family in England and I’d like to move over here.thanks for making this channel
I m going to London tomorrow!!
Have fun!
When it comes to black cabs vs Uber remember that all licensed black cab drivers have spent two years doing 'the knowledge' i.e. they really know every street and alley in Greater London and can get you to your destination as quickly as possible and avoid traffic jams. They are also fully insured.
+Vernon Peters yes I know! uber drivers are insured too.
There have been problems with Uber drivers not knowing the best route - Uber has been banned in three German cities for that reason. I would urge first time visitors to stick with black cabs, particularly if their journey is to remoter parts of the city. Many of the cabbies are well educated and very amusing so the banter is worth the extra cost
How can Uber drivers not know where they're going if it's all done via sat nav, that even updates with traffic conditions? I use Uber all of the time, to all kinds of different places, even "remote" ones, and never, ever have ANY problems.
Black cab drivers have done the 'knowledge' i.e. they have spent two years walking and cycling around London.They have already been to where you want to go. Uber drivers have not - they use 'satnav' so they don't know the shortcuts, the routes around traffic jams and cannot use the bus lanes. Many do not even speak English. Didn't you see the TV news clip of Uber drivers demonstrating outside Uber HQ over low wages ?
However, I would advise against using either black cabs or Uber from any of London's six airports - much better to use public transport or - if you are loaded down with luggage - pre-book a mini cab from a reliable firm, particularly if you are heading outside London. Perhaps you could publish a video explaining Heathrow Express, Heathrow Connect, Gatwick Express and Railair bus links to main railway stations etc etc - it can be pretty complicated for first time visitors.
like my dad
Me hearing someone talk about using 3G: 😮
Me seeing this video is from 2015: well that explains a lot
The City just extends itself endlessly in all directions, engulfing and enveloping neighboring towns and cities in one enormous sprawl.
Can’t wait to go to London!! 💖
The Charlie Burke me too, i would be there in 1 month
London is filled with amazing places to see, delicious foods to eat and quirky spots to see and photograph. Love London.
Totally.
I live in London, why am I watching this??!! 😂😂😂😂😂 Very interesting though, some stuff like the spelling and pronunciation of words I’ve never even given a second thought 💭
Lol, thanks for watching Lea!
As someone who is a Londoner, this video popped in to my viewing list and decided to watch it. This is spot on, even down to the pronunciation of the locations. Very good advice throughout, if you come here GET AN OYSTER CARD, you can go everywhere with it, even on the Thames River Boats - use it to top up, also can you can get a discount on the Emirates Sky Ride. A massive thumbs up to Love and London. Trooper
Thanks Trooper! :)
I love how easy the oyster card system is, and that you can also use it on the red busses.
I put in 20 and was traveling all around for a week, and I didn't have to top it up.. Lovely.
I love London. ....will always go back there.....
Ready or not London, here we come. Got my GBP $ today. Sooooo excited!!!
Thank you for your 101 guide & videos.
Wishing you a GREAT 2017!
ENJOY Cate!! Havea GREAT time and happy new year to you too!
Leaving for London from Canada in 11 days, I keep watching your videos over and over and taking notes. Thanks for all your advice. Makes me feel a little less nervous!
Glad I can help Natalie!
Great tips. I havn't been back to London for 30yrs so looking fwd to heading back. Keep posting. Thank you.
I'm from Kuwait & we visit London since 80's & we can't stop loving it
The good news the British government let us Kuwaitis visiting UK by free visa ;) woohoo 🇰🇼 🇬🇧
Btw it's only 6 hours between Kuwait City to London 😍
London. Beautiful place and beautiful people. Thanks London.
Sir do u live in london?
I just wanted to say thank you so much for taking the time to upload these videos. They are super helpful. I'm visiting London for the first time in August and will take all your advice onboard. Thanks again..
Aw you're so welcome Brendan!
finally a real travel guide for new yorkers! You're fabulous.
I’m going next Tuesday! So excited! My first solo transatlantic trip!
Amazing! Have a great time. My sure to grab my free London 101 guide! loveandlondon.com/london-101-guide-main
This is one of your best performing videos. Such useful information. Best part for Indians is that we can drive with Indian driving licence in all over UK.
Citymapper is by far the best travel app for getting around. I just got back and traveled around London and Paris with no problem! Thank you!
Thanks veeery much! Great video, very important info for the first time in London.
This is so helpful!!! Thank you so much!
Wonderful! Thanks for CityMapper app suggestion! It looks perfect!
Great video! Thank you so much, your tips have helped me a lot!
Loved this video! Super informal and straight to the point, no filling of 10 minutes. Thank you!
This one is super old so make sure you watch our more recent ones for much more up to date info :)
Thank you very much for the tips!. I'm going to London in 3 days with my grandma and cousin can't wait!!
Have fun!
You are amazing thank you for your help ❤️
This is awesome! Thank you for posting this! So helpful.
Thanks for watching Genevieve
I've been bingeing your videos! It'll be my first time in London in March and your videos have been super helpful, thank you so much!!!
You're so welcome Emily :)
I Loved these Tips.
Thank you!!! I am moving to London in 3-4 months!! I'm so excited! Can you make a part 2 ?
Check out my channel, I have tons of videos about London!
Thanks for giving such a useful basic information I hope it will help me
Wow! I really needed this and I didn't know it. Thanks.
Your video was really helpful for first time visitors in London.. like me. Thanks 😊
You're very welcome!
I'm writing things down I'm going next month ... can't wait
@@loveandlondon hey have a great week 👍
One important thing you didn't mention about bus travel - they DO NOT ACCEPT CASH payment on the bus - you have to pre-buy your ticket before boarding or have either an Oyster card or contact less payment.
This is great. Best London tips video I've seen. Straight and to the point not to mention specific. AMAZING!
+Jenny F so glad you think so Jenny, happy to help. Let me know if you want to know anything else about visiting London!
+cindybin2001 She does neither she just explained our pub measures SHOULD a NORMAL person wish to have a drink
Amazing tips! Thanks for the very comprehensive overview! I'll definitely reference this before my trip!
I am going with my daughter end of March ! Can't wait !
Awesome!
Go forest gate or plaistow the coolest places
Recently I visited London. Just loved 👌👌😍😍😍😍😍😍
I agree with you. London is great. I have been there in 2016 and I met my current girlfriend for the first time in real life, she lives in Sao Paulo and was on vacation in London. I really enjoyed myself there.
will be going to London for the first time next week, my first time in the UK from Africa!! your videos have been great :)
Amazing Keri! Have a great time :)
Thank you so much !You are very helpful 🙏. May God bless you! 😘
Interesting information, l'll take it, thanks.
As a brit, I have never really paid tips. You might give an extra £2 to avoid making change, or you have a little extra change which you shove down(£2-3). But I have never paid a proper tip in the UK, neither have I seen anyone who has done. I've seen multiple videos where americans talk about the UK, and lots of them say tip, but you shouldn't really! If you're trying to work out a tip, you're doing it all wrong, just shove down a few quid.
Very interesting.... Im still going to tip just to see the reaction :)
Roger Toledano, Well hey, it's not like they don't want it 😀
+Ben Jacobs I consulted many Brits on what the correct tipping etiquette is in London before creating the video and they all agreed with what I said. Other people have said what you said in the comments but they aren't from London or said they don't visit nicer restaurants. This video is just tips for visitors to London :)
Love and London Fair enough👌, but I think people everywhere in the UK(generally) go to similar restaurants, such as Zizzi, Pizza Express, and I can't immediately think of another restaurant chain that isn't Italian - apart from the more wealthy that is(so yes, many parts of London are more wealthy, so may not want to go to restaurant chains like those mentioned). I don't know why I didn't just say 'Fair enough👌'...
Hi, I live in the midlands and we always tip in restaurants unless the service is terrible. We also tip our takeaway delivery drivers. I think it is becoming much more commonplace in the UK to tip regularly. But perhaps it depends what area of the country you are in.
Very thoughtful of you to enlighten some of us. Thank you for the lovely video and I cant wait for my first visit
+Katlego phaladi Thanks so much for watching Katlego! :)
Great video .thanks for the helpful tips.
Doing a solo trip next year for the first time! Thnx for the tips!
You're very welcome Isa!
Doing London solo is AMAZING! In such a crowded city - you feel you have it all to yourself because you're not spending time keeping track of anyone else. Enjoy!
Same here! I’m going in September solo! Her channel is so helpful
In London we have the new hopper fair on busses now which means that in the space of an hour you can now take two busses for £1.50. Using contactless and Oyster is a lot cheaper than buying paper tickets from the machine and remember cash is no longer accepted as a payment method on busses.
Yes! And I believe it's actually unlimited buses now.
Jess - all your videos are so helpful for me as I plan a trip to London. I'm so glad I stumbled upon them. Thanks a bunch!
Aw you're very welcome Laura! :)
This was really practical. Thanks!
I lived in London almost one month in 2019. I think one thing should be mentioned here also. it's the shop closes very early~~
Most of our Museums and things are FREE, so dont buy any tickets off of touts x
I'm heading to London for the first time this week, and this video was so helpful! Thank you!
You're very welcome Chloe!
Going in December...pretty excited! I'm sure these tips will go a long way, thank you!
You're welcome Joe!
I'm visiting london in October with school😍 can't wait
Awesome!
S Love are you staying
as a londoner all of these tips are very valid and useful! except for the bus one, london buses are not fun especially when busy haha
Super helpful, visiting London for the first time next week and really glad I discovered this video and your CZcams channel
+Veronica Perez amazing, thanks for watching and commenting Veronica :) Have a lovely time!
Excellent information.
What an informative video! I have an old English pound note with the Queen on one side and Sir Isaac Newton on the other. I use it as a bookmark. Cheers from Canada : )
It was wearing out too quickly and wasn't worth that much so the Bank of England abandoned it.
Hello I just decided to take a trip to London in Feb 2021. I came across your video and I wondering if you had an updated version of this video. I'm about to binge what your videos so you might get some more comments..lol. I love this video
Yes I do! Here you go: czcams.com/video/gX05p2ymAQo/video.html&t
Love and London Thank you! I can’t wait to visit in February. Love your channel
London is lit!! Hope you trip is amazing you should visit convent garden and soho it has amazing desert and food places is so pretty and peaceful!! I recommend fun instagram places for food such as Milk train, Meat liquor, Five guys , Burger and lobster , the knot churros , Grom , Burgista, amarino , dirty bones , Hard Rock Cafe , snowflake okay sorry I’ll stop now !😅 If you want to vist a busy place at night I also recommend Edgware Road for dinner it’s open till 3am and that part of London never sleeps
Valarie Weems OMG SAME but I’m going in may!
We watched this video before our work & travel trip to london and it was a huge help!
Awesome, so glad to hear it! Thanks for watching and commenting :)
AS somebody who lives in London, I can say this is quite a good guide!
Thanks so much Euan :)
I'm really exidet to go to London with my class in a few weeks. A very helpful Video, thanks
And sorry for my bad Englisch, I'm from Germany
Have a GREAT time! And you're great, don't worry :)
Thank you so much for making this very very helpful video! Appreciate your suggestions!
Amazingly helpful, thank you!
Thanks for watching Mia!
This is so helpful! Thank you for the info on the Oyster Card and the City Mapper App!
Glad I could help!
Thank you
thanks for watching!
I love your videos. I’m learning a lot for our next visit to London. Question in regard to visitor Oyster card. Should we order 2 Oyster cards , one for me one for my husband? We will be there soon.
Yes, every person has to have their own card
Hi Susana, yes everyone has to have their own :)
I'm a new subbie. I'm excited cause I'm planning on travelling to London. Will be binge-watching your channel for sure!
Awesome, welcome to the family Maria :)
I love your vids! Thank you so much! I'll be visiting London for the first time this Christmas :)
Thank you Jesse!
I'm getting my hopes up by watching this but whether I end up going or not, it's good info to know, and will help me understand all the British CZcamsrs I watch 😂😂
Great! Hope you make it over
Just go. Do it. DO IT. BOOK THAT FLIGHT.
Hi... Place a video on daily cost of living in London...
I watched this video and my mind was blown. Thank You SO MUCH!
You're welcome!
I will be going to London for the 1st time in a little over a week from now. This video is very helpful. Thank you!
You're very welcome Mike! Have a great time, and for more help, be sure to have a look at the other videos on my channel.
In the U.K. "Route" is pronounced like "root" not "rowt". Worth remembering if you don't want to sound like an American tourist.
Americans also pronounce it as "root." I think "rowt" is a New England accent.
@@sekhmet2011 I've heard both all over the country, but "rowt" seems much more exaggerated in certain areas.
Looks like Monica in FRIENDS! xD
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!!! I'll be visiting London in December and this video helps out quite a bit. Very much appreciated!!
Welcome Andrew! :)
Thanks for help I am gonna visit London after 2 days!
Planning a solo trip . thank you for the tips .
New subbie here. Your videos are very helpful. I’m planning my first trip to London and need all this info. Thanks for sharing.
I use my debit for everything and rarely have cash. Is that a good option for London or should I keep some cash on hand also?
Have a bit of cash but most places take card!
thanks for having captions on your video :) I want to go to London in the future, thanks for the tips and the pronunciation guide!
You're welcome!
Thank you for this video!
Good deal girl, Fast and informative,
Glad you found it helpful.
It's London baby😎😁
Thx for telling me!
Next week I'm going to London.
This is a big help!
:)
Great vid! Am planning my very first London visit end of the month...staying a couple of weeks.. Your tips seem very useful
Welcome to the community! :D
I'am coming next week to London so nervous and excited,i just wanted to know the best shopping centre in London ?? Thanks for the incredible information you provide..!!
Have save journey, the best shopping centre are located on Oxford Street (must visit Selfridge), Brent Cross Shopping center, Westfield shopping centre (among the biggest shopping centre in Europe)
Thanks Sara!
I am flying to london on next month, excited and panic at same time 😅
So many questions and so many curiosity to explore, is londoners friendly? Is Oyster card all in one for travel? How about london pass? Fr new subscriber 😁
I've got videos covering all of that :) have a watch!
Live in the states, but was in London for the first time last month. No worries. I found the English to be especially pleasant and polite. You will love London, and England for that matter. Don't worry about getting around. The transportation system is amazingly intuitive. It is a gorgeous city.
Awesome tips, very useful
Thank you i will be there soon!
Hi, I will be in London soon and I wanted to know other places besides the post office where I could change money.
Masha A ::: ATM’s. Always. All the time. And avoid the “conversion to your currency” some of them offer, it will not give you the best conversion rate. Check with your bank if they charge you foreign withdrawal fees.
Hey there great video. I’m planning my trip to London, what would be good amount of spending money to bring for a week.
Anything equivalent to about £500 to ensure that you at least ENJOY your time
15 pounds per person per dsy for oyster travel. 30 pounds per day for standard lunch/dinner. Activities cost various amounts. Look on groupon or TripAdvisor for deals
Citymapper saved my life a few times when I was studying in London. Great tips!
Woohoo! Thanks!
Your videos are very helpful!! I coming to London December 28th and I'm so excited for this. Thank-you
+PhenomenalNita amazing, have a great time!